Stranger Things fans have game-changing theory about why surprise character was brought back

Stranger Things fans have come up with a game-changing theory about why a surprise character was brought back in the fourth episode of the new season.

The fifth and final season of the Netflix show has so far been a massive success for the streamer so far, with their being such a demand for the show that it crashed within moments of uploading volume one.

The four episodes in volume one have already confirmed major fan theories, reintroduced us to major characters such as Holly Wheeler, but more importantly, saw the return of a major character that no one expected to return for season five.

Warning: The rest of this article contains major spoilers for Stranger Things season five.

Throughout episode three and four, Eleven and Hopper, stuck in the Upside Down, are convinced that the military has somehow captured Vecna and is holding him in their base. When he appears in the real world and attacks Will, it begs the question: who is it the military have trapped in their facility then?

The answer was Kali, also known as Eight.

Who is Kali/Eight and why is her return a big deal?

Kali was introduced in the second season episode (Netflix)

For those who haven’t rewatched the show in preparation for season five, chances are you might not remember the deal with Kali. One of the most unpopular episodes of the show resided in season two and saw Eleven go to Chicago and find Kali, who she realises is her ‘sister’, with the pair having been given powers in the rainbow room together.

The episode is widely considered a massive departure in quality for Stranger Things, sitting at a 6.0 on IMDb for a show that otherwise doesn’t have a single episode below a 7.8. Many felt it was a backdoor pilot, thought the Duffer Brothers denied this, and bar flashbacks involving Kali, the whole plot line has not been referenced since.

Her return was a shock for fans, with one tweet saying: “KALI FROM SEASON TWO ACTUALLY MATTERED HOLY SH*T??”

What is the game-changing theory for why Kali/Eight is back?

Kali is back (Netflix)

The reveal happened in the same episode where Will was revealed to have powers, something fans have noticed and suggested means that Will, Eleven, and Kali, will all team up to defeat Vecna.

The show revolves to a large extent around Dungeons and Dragons, a game where you roll dice in combat to try and attack monsters. A 20-sided dice is rolled, with anyone who rolls a 20 on the dice guaranteed to hit. This happens in the very first episode of the show while they are playing DnD, with the group rolling a neat 20 to defeat a fictional villain.

One fan in the YouTube comments section of a theory video pointed out that, in episode four, Will is referred to by Venca as ‘the first’.

Will is shown to have powers, but they're different to Eleven's (Netflix)

They said: “In the first episode they had to roll a 20 to kill Vecna. 11+8, and then Henry just called Will the first. 11+8+1=20.”

Another viral tweet suggested the same thing, that Kali was brought back so the trio could take down Vecna together in the finale.

It said: “I don't think you guys understand how INSANE their powers are combined, el with her usual powers but stronger than ever, kali being able to control minds and will being connected with vecna, giving him the exact same powers he has, being able to control them from distance.”

Stranger Things season five volume one is now streaming on Netflix.